Seasoned Expat — The Brief, August 30, 2026

Why it mattersImmigration court filings are already expensive; these increases will raise the cost of appealing a deportation order or filing a motion to reopen a case at a moment when many applicants are already stretched financially. The cumulative effect of repeated fee hikes over the past five years makes it harder for people without legal representation to contest removal.

What to doIf you are considering filing an appeal or motion with EOIR, check the updated fee schedule on the EOIR website before filing. File before the new fees take effect if your case is ready; the effective date should be confirmed on the EOIR website.

Why it mattersThis fee—roughly 10 times the current H-1B petition fee—would make the visa prohibitively expensive for most employers and workers. It signals a policy shift toward pricing out H-1B sponsorship rather than reforming the lottery system. Employers will likely redirect hiring to other visa categories or offshore roles, and workers already in the US on H-1B will face much higher renewal costs.

What to doIf you are an H-1B worker or employer, monitor the Federal Register for the final rule and effective date. If your petition is pending, confirm with your employer whether they will proceed given the proposed fee. File any extension or new petition before the fee takes effect if possible.

Why it mattersThis extension provides stability for Ukrainian workers in Canada's labour market and signals that the government does not expect the conflict to end soon. For Ukrainians on temporary permits, it removes the risk of forced departure and allows them to plan longer-term employment and settlement. It also reduces employer burden by not requiring new sponsorship paperwork.

What to doIf you are a Ukrainian national in Canada on a work permit, confirm your eligibility for the extended measures on the IRCC website and ensure your permit is renewed before expiry. If you are an employer of Ukrainian workers, review the updated guidelines to confirm which restrictions no longer apply.

Why it mattersPassport delays have been chronic in Canada, forcing expats and travellers to pay expedited fees or miss travel plans. This guarantee creates accountability and incentivizes the government to meet processing targets. For applicants, it means either a faster passport or a refund—a rare consumer protection in immigration services.

What to doIf you are applying for a Canadian passport, submit your application in person or by mail and keep your receipt. If processing exceeds 30 days, contact Service Canada to claim the free service guarantee. For urgent travel, check current processing times on the Government of Canada website before deciding whether to pay for expedited service.

Why it mattersAfghan beneficiaries who arrived under the emergency admission scheme now have a formal pathway to extend their stay rather than face deportation when their initial permission expires. This signals Ireland's commitment to honouring its resettlement commitment and gives Afghan families certainty to plan work, education, and housing beyond their initial permit period.

What to doIf you are an Afghan Admission Programme beneficiary in Ireland and your permission to remain is expiring within the next 6 months, contact the ISD office at Burgh Quay Dublin or check the ISD website for the renewal application form and required documents. Submit your renewal application before your current permission expires.

Why it mattersThis security upgrade protects applicants' sensitive immigration data—visa applications, residence permit details, payment records—from unauthorized access. For users, it adds a login step but significantly reduces the risk of account compromise. It also signals that the ISD is modernizing its digital infrastructure.

What to doIf you have an ISD Customer Service Portal account, download an authenticator app (Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator) before your next login. Set up MFA in your account settings. Keep your phone secure and backed up; loss of access to your authenticator app will lock you out of your account.